The fastest way to change the font for a whole Google Doc is to press Ctrl + A (Command + A on a Mac) to select everything, then pick a new font from the font menu in the toolbar. To make the change stick for new text and future paragraphs, update the Normal text style: select some text in the new font, then choose Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Update ‘Normal text’ to match. To use that font in every new document, click Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles.
Here’s when to use each method, plus how to handle headings and fonts that aren’t in the menu.
Method 1: Select all and change the font
- Click anywhere in the document and press Ctrl + A.
- Click the font name in the toolbar (for example, Arial).
- Choose a new font.
This changes everything, including headings. New paragraphs you type later may still use the old font if the Normal text style wasn’t updated.
Method 2: Update the Normal text style
- Click in a paragraph that uses the Normal text style.
- Change its font (and size, if you like) using the toolbar.
- With the cursor still in that paragraph, click Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Update ‘Normal text’ to match.
Every paragraph using Normal text changes at once. Repeat for Title, Heading 1, and other styles if you want headings in the new font too.
Method 3: Make it your default for new documents
- After updating your styles, click Format > Paragraph styles > Options.
- Click Save as my default styles.
New documents you create will start with these fonts. Existing documents don’t change unless you choose Options > Use my default styles in them.
How to add more fonts
- Click the font menu and choose More fonts.
- Search for a font, click it to add it to My fonts, and click OK.
Google Docs uses web fonts, so fonts installed on your computer won’t appear unless they’re also available in Google Fonts.
On the Google Docs app
- Open the document and tap the pencil icon to edit.
- Tap and hold, then tap Select all.
- Tap the Format icon (A with lines) > Text > Font, and choose a font.
Related: use Times New Roman in Google Docs.
Related: Add fonts to Google Slides.
Related: Change the default font in Google Docs.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some parts keep the old font?
Text inside tables, text boxes, drawings, headers, footers, and footnotes may need to be selected separately. Click in the header or footer and press Ctrl + A there too.
How do I change the default font size?
Update the Normal text style with the size you want, then save it as your default, as above.
Can I change the font of a whole Google Docs file on a Chromebook?
Yes. The steps are the same in any browser.
For more formatting tips, see how to fix weird spacing in Google Docs.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.